Congratulations to Tyler Wright! 2016 #ROXYpro Gold Coast Champion

It was a stormy start to finals day today at the #ROXYpro Gold Coast.

The heavens opened and drenched crowds as they watched the girls paddle out for the first semi final heats of the day at Snapper Rocks. The rain couldn’t dampen the girls’ spirits or intensity, with the final four females - Tyler, Carissa, Courtney and Johanne showing incredible focus and determination.

Heat 1 paired defending champ, Carissa Moore and local favorite, Tyler Wright in an exciting semi that came down to the wire. Tyler took the lead early and managed to hold her position against the current World Champ, scoring an impressive 8.50 in the dying minutes, securing her place in the final with a total score of 14.17, just .17 ahead of Moore.

Californian Courtney Conologue met former rookie of the year, Johanne Defay in Heat 2. After Johanne’s exciting reverse manoeuvre in yesterday’s quarterfinal heat, the anticipation for what moves the matchup would bring had the crowd buzzing. Johanne struggled to channel the same confidence from yesterday and Courtney’s determination was clear with the American dominating the heat, coming away with a final score of 15.27 to Johanne’s 10.50.

It was standing room only on the beach as Courtney and Tyler paddled out for the #ROXYpro final. As the rain eased, Tyler exuded confidence in the lineup, setting the tempo for the heat with her key wave selection.

Courtney struggled to match Tyler’s energy, failing to catch a wave that could challenge the win. With the winning moment sealed, and her family on hand to parade her up the beach, Tyler savored the applause as the emotion and realisation that she had secured her second #ROXYpro Gold Coast Championship came to life.

With the Women’s Championship Tour off to a flying start we’re looking forward to what the year will bring!